ANC stalwart and former first premier of Mpumalanga, Dr. Mathews Phosa praised the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) for the role it played in the liberation struggle.

Phosa was speaking at a gala dinner to celebrate the board’s 120th anniversary and told a packed Wanderers Club venue that the board had made a significant contribution to the fight to overthrow apartheid.

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“The Jewish people not only contributed greatly to freedom, but also played a unique role in the development of this country through the values ​​of anti-racism and inclusivity that still represent the values ​​of a democratic South Africa.

“We were often told that liberation from the bondage of apartheid would not be achieved, it would be achieved through blood, sweat and tears, but as a young leader I later realized that violence brings the worst in us, and peace brings the best in us.” Phosa said.

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“Let the spirit of peace and unity prevail and let the spirit of Ubuntu continue,” Phosa said, calling on the Jewish community to continue supporting the country’s common vision, resenting separatism and moving forward towards a united South Africa as one nation. to prevail.”

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis of London in the United Kingdom, who is also a former resident of South Africa, congratulated the Jewish community in South Africa for 120 years of unwavering service to his community and the wider South African society under extraordinarily difficult times and conditions under apartheid. .
“We (Jews) must continue to play our role as beacons of light to all nations in the world and pray for peace and the salvation of innocent souls in troubled lands,” Mirvis said.

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